The Government’s highest priority is women’s empowerment – President Yameen

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said that the Government’s highest priority was to give real empowerment for women, and to empower women economically and financially. The President made this remark while speaking at the official function held this morning to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

In his speech, the President noted that a high number of Maldivian women in the island communities were working in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. And that the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) allocates 60% of its loans especially to women, in order to facilitate more opportunities for women in the fisheries and agriculture industries. Similarly, the President said that 60% of loan allocation for innovation in the fisheries sector was also made especially for women.

Speaking at the function, the President said that the most vital instrument in empowering women was educating them, and highlighted the importance of it. Speaking in this regard, the President said that the Government’s policy was to provide education to all children and not exclude any one.

In his speech, the President underlined the continuous efforts being made globally in advocating for women’s rights. In this regard, the President pointed out that it is being called for internationally, not to deprive women of their rights, to provide equal educational opportunities for girls, and to let women’s voices be heard in the lawmaking process.

At the function held today, the President conferred the Rehendi Award, introduced this year to recognize outstanding service of women to national development and the society, to Juwairiya Wajdee and Aminath Nasheeda, both renowned local chefs.

First Lady Madam Fathimath Ibrahim presented the commemorative brooches to the recipients, and Minister of Health and Gender, Dr Maryam Shakeela gave away the prize offered by the Bank of Maldives.